Extension Programs

Tournament of Minds 2019

On Sunday 25 August, students from Aitken College competed in the Tournament of Minds Regional Finals at La Trobe University in Bundoora. Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a problem-solving program requiring teams to work collaboratively and find creative solutions to given problems.

We entered three teams – one in the Secondary Social Science division and two in the Secondary Arts division. All teams had 10 minutes to present the product of their ideas – the challenge solution to an audience and panel of judges. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and the ability to use critical thinking skills for problem solving, the students were given six weeks to devise and perform elaborate solutions, working within predefined parameters such as limited materials, intricate challenge criteria and the deadline of Tournament Day. The teams also participated in an unseen ‘Spontaneous Challenge’ on the day. This challenge required the rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think creatively, and well-developed group cooperation skills.

It was a fabulous day with all our teams producing their best efforts. Although we did not win, all twenty-one students are to be commended on their sensational performances on the day. They worked tirelessly throughout the challenge period, exploring possibilities and experimenting with ideas to produce their best possible solutions. 

The Teams:

Social Sciences –

Team One: Poppy B (7B), Alysa C (7C), Briana M (7K), Peter K (8H) Robert G (8H), Simret G (9B), Sofia C (9K)

The Arts –

Team Two: Devmi P (7E), Amy G (7K), Hiruki H (7K), Thasara B (8P), Katie G (9K), Maryam T (9K), Emily T (9P)

Team Three: Sahil K (7B), Angelique C (7C), Chenul K (7I), Madison H (7E), Eshan P (9A), Urvi N (9A), Robert W (9A)

I would like to thank parents and staff for their support and encouragement throughout the process of Tournament of Minds. It was a great privilege working with the students and facilitating the teams to develop their problem-solving, thinking and communication skills.

Mrs Mary Ann Di Martino

Head of Faculty - Extension Programs